No doubt many reading this devotional would consider themselves collectors of something.  Whether it be antiques, stamps, coins, various nick-nacks or even classic cars, many of us enjoy keeping our eyes open for something to add to our collection.  Growing up I enjoyed collecting football and baseball cards and still to this day have hundreds if not thousands of cards stored away in several boxes.  Even if most of those cards are essentially worthless, as I'm sure is the case, thinking of my collection brings back good memories of the excitement that would come as I opened a new set of cards, just hoping for a card of a great player or prospect that would hold a lot of value.

In our reading today in Matthew 13, we read 2 short parables that deal with the value of "the kingdom of God" or being in a right standing with God as our Savior and Lord.  We read in verses 44-46, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."

I'm sure as you read through these parables that it is pretty easy to grasp what Jesus is teaching us.  Literally there is nothing on earth to compare to the value of being in a right relationship with God.  In these verses we read of men who literally sold all of their positions to be able to obtain this "treasure" or the "pearl of great price."  They were willing to risk life and limb and drain every penny they had in their savings to obtain these items.  And so it is with men today, there should be nothing standing in the way of someone obtaining a right relationship with the Lord.  Whether it be turning our backs on addictive sins, family, prestige or wealth, the value of obtaining salvation and a right standing with the God of the universe is worth it.  And for those of us who have experienced this salvation, no matter the difficulties or problems of this life, may we rejoice that we have been blessed to have received the "pearl of great price!"